New Option Lets J.D. Students Earn Concentration in IP Law
51做厙 Dedman School of Law has launched a new Intellectual Property (IP) Concentration for J.D. students who are interested in focusing on academic and practical training in this evolving field.
To qualify for the concentration, students must complete at least 21 credits across four categories:
- Basic Required Courses: Two of the following: Intellectual Property, Copyright, Patent Law, Trademarks
- Elective Courses: e.g., IP Licensing, Entertainment Law, Trade Secrets, Patent Litigation
- Writing Requirement: options include IP-focused edited writing papers, journal comments, and moot court competitions
Experiential Learning Requirement: options include externships with the USPTO or tech transfer offices and trademark and patent clinics
David Taylor, Co-Director of the Tsai Center for Law, Science and Innovation, and Professor of Law, serves as one of the advisors for the new program, along with Professors Sari Mazzurco and Shani Shisha. According to Professor Taylor, this concentration provides several benefits for students, employers, and Dedman Law.
“Concentrations give direction to students who have an interest in an area of law,” he said. “It allows them to explore their interests while ensuring they gain relevant expertise and experience,” he said. “Law firms are looking for lawyers who can hit the ground running in their area of specialization, and this will help our graduates do just that.
“By offering this particular concentration, the Law School can attract students looking for deep training in intellectual property law and ensure our graduates have a competitive advantage as they look to start their careers.”
Dedman Law is already well-known for its expert IP faculty — both permanent and adjunct — and diverse IP course offerings. This concentration will only help to further distinguish the school.
Students will be encouraged to declare their intent to pursue the IP concentration during the first semester of their second year by contacting one of the concentration advisers. The Tsai Center for Law, Science, and Innovation will serve as the administrative hub for the offering, overseeing intake, course review, and certification.
Although the concentration will not be listed on diplomas, students who earn the designation will receive a certificate and may note the concentration on their resumes.